Branson Facts

January 13, 2008

- Branson is a city in Taney County, Mo., named for Reuben Branson, postmaster and operator of a general store in the area in the 1880s.

- In 1894, William Henry Lynch bought Marvel Cave outside the city and began charging visitors to see it.

- In 1907, Harold Bell Wright published the “Shepherd of the Hills,” a story about life in the Ozarks and skirmishes with the vigilante Bald Knobbers. It was a national best-seller and tourists began visiting the city.

- In 1912, Branson was formally incorporated.

- Historically, Branson has always been a small city.

- Population — 7,435 who reside within a 19 square mile radius.

- There are 444 restaurants; 207 lodging facilities with a total of 18,578 rooms; there are 52 theaters which seat a total of 60,317; and there are more than 100 shows performing in Branson.

- Tourism is the Branson/Lakes Area’s chief industry, and in 2206, an estimated 7.9 million visitors spent $1.7 billion in the area.

- Branson is ranked 20th among all overnight leisure vacation destinations in the country.

- Branson is home to Branson Landing, a $420 million, 95-acre development with more than 100 retail shops and other attractions, which opened in 2006.

- The city is home to three outlet shopping malls with more than 200 retailers, along with several unique shopping areas.

- Historic Downtown Branson is also a shopper’s and diner’s delight, among the stores are Dick’s Old Fashion 5&10, several boutiques and specialty stores combined with quaint eateries.